This poem has taken a while to develop. Like the other sidewalk poems, the first line was prompted by a real moment on the street. A contrast that registered.
In building the poem, I realized that I wanted to transmit the images with impartiality, the citywalker as photojournalist.
The man with the doves
The man with the doves
is asking for coins.
The man in the poster
– naked chest, naked loins –
announces a lotion
¡cash-back, guarranteed!
to smoothe your abdomen
at night while you sleep.
The doves peck at nothing,
they dance and they coo
around the old man
who does not look at you.
His hat sits before him,
a basket of hope –
originally white,
now the far side of taupe.
I live with both men,
our relationship bound
by the shared stretch of sidewalk,
profane and profound.
Poolside Laureate 